Tobacco-Free Facility

We provide services at ASH in a tobacco-free environment. To this end, use or possession of tobacco products is prohibited on campus by all patients, staff, and visitors.

Austin State Hospital strives to provide a safe, healthy environment for patients, employees, and guests. We recognize the fact that medical evidence clearly shows the use of tobacco products is harmful to one’s health. In order to promote a healthy environment, ASH has adopted this policy, which applies to patients, employees, volunteers, professional trainees, tenants, visitors, vendors, and anyone accessing the campus.

No tobacco products are permitted on property owned or leased by ASH. This restriction applies to all buildings, state vehicles, and outdoor property (commonly referred to as the campus). Tobacco products are included in ASH’s contraband list, as are non-tobacco-related products that cue or mimic tobacco use. In addition, lighters and matches are considered contraband items in the treatment environment.

Definition Tobacco products are defined as any smoke or smokeless tobacco products, to include but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, etc.

Access to Tobacco Employees are prohibited from sharing any tobacco products with any person served. Employees, volunteers, visitors, vendors, contractors, or any individual(s) who access the campus that use tobacco products must ensure that these products are not accessible to patients and are stored securely out of sight (including tobacco products left in private vehicles parked on hospital property).

Cessation AidsWe do permit nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine nasal spray, or similar aids designed to assist in cessation of tobacco use. When cessation aids are required for patients, the patient’s physician in coordination with the treatment team will order them – the use of all such aides, whether provided by the patient or ordered by the facility, require a physician’s order for use while in treatment. Employees will not share tobacco cessation aids with patients.